How to mentally prepare? Also, what to bring?

[heynowkc 329]

I just got my surgery date today and it's 2 weeks away and I have to start the pre-op diet tomorrow after a mid-morning appointment (they said it's fine to eat a regular Breakfast tomorrow).

Because it's so quick (I feel like that's unusual) a friend just texted me and said she hopes I am mentally prepared, but... I've been planning this for 13 months, so I guess I have been thinking about it for so long that I didn't REALLY think about it like that until just now. I'm not scared or worried at all, except for the fact that I hate needles! Haha. I am wondering what you guys do to mentally prepare yourself for the pre-op diet, surgery, etc?

Also, I know there is a list somewhere around here about what you should bring with you to the hospital! Anyone know where I can find that? I feel like I will blink and it will be the 17th.

[BeagleLover 1,020]

Just use the SEARCH function.

I didn't need to get mentally ready... I already knew I was making the best decision to live a better longer life.

[heynowkc 329]

Just use the SEARCH function.

I didn't need to get mentally ready... I already knew I was making the best decision to live a better longer life.

I guess I just meant to prepare for the upcoming changes. I am definitely doing the right thing. No need to prepare for that.

I would search but I can't remember what the threat was called or any specific details about it. Thanks anyway!

[BeagleLover 1,020]

Many people have trouble getting enough Protein and liquids the first week or so after surgery. I found the Isopure (40 grams pre bottle) drinks helpful because I could drink those and get my liquid and Protein in at the same time.

[Aranks 94]

Good Afternoon!

Just know you are doing this for the right reasons. I had mentally prepared myself for the sleeve and found out (2) days prior to surgery my gallbladder was coming out too. That I wasn't prepared for! Threw me in a tizzy. But ultimately as long as you know you are doing this for you, and know this is a 'tool'. It won't change your life it's not a miracle cure, but it will help you change yours. I had minimal support during the process. None of my friends or family would come meet with doctor's with me or go to any groups with me, my boyfriend at the time (now an ex) told me how he would like to tell off the doctor would said I could get this done. But this was for me. I think if you're doing this for yourself, and you've already made the commitment to do this for you, the changes aren't as difficult as one would presume. I had surgery on Friday. You think oh my goodness how a I going to give up everything I love. But you realize that one spoon of unsweetened apple sauce tastes like an ice cream sundae. You're really not hungry. I look at things and say, yeah I'd like to eat that, and maybe one day I will, but I know it will be in moderation.

As far as bringing things with you, bring your phone, iPod, chargers, I was pretty entertained by the television set, I had some good medication and kept dozing in and out. I'd say chap stick, but know my doctor's wouldn't let me use any petroleum products since I was on O2 the first night, so they provided me with a lotion type of tube for my lips. Bring slippers and a robe, or request an extra gown. Walking every two (2) hours sometimes only my dad was in the room and I didn't want him seeing my hind quarters or relying on somebody to tie me every time I got out of bed, so being able to just throw something easily and quickly over your shoulders was great. Also an extra pair of draws! Pretty much everybody wears leaving that they wore in, comfy cozy clothes, but a clean pair of draws when leaving was pretty high on my priority list.

[NavyMom2006 119]

Aranks pretty much summed it all up!

[CheleLynn45 615]

The only things I brought with me to the hospital was my phone, charger and this awesome nivea lip balm. I didn't need anything else.

I was up and walking same day of surgery and just used a second gown like a robe when I went out walking.. Didn't need slippers or anything because my hospital had colored socks with grippies on the bottom for you to wear. Depending on your color is wether you could get up by yourself or not Mine were green so I was good to go.

As far as preparing metally for surgery I did as much research as I could. I liked that I had to do a 6 month doc supervised diet since this surgery is not something I sought out. It was recommended to me by my doctor. So the time I had before surgery I needed, My surgery was scheduled for Nov 3 but then it was moved to Oct 27th and I was like OH NO, but once the initial shock wore off I was ok.

You really can only do so much before hand. it really wasn't till I was home not in much pain that I realized I could do this!!

Good Luck in your journey!!! Follow your docs order as close as you can!!

[heynowkc 329]

Many people have trouble getting enough Protein and liquids the first week or so after surgery. I found the Isopure (40 grams pre bottle) drinks helpful because I could drink those and get my liquid and Protein in at the same time.

@@BeagleLover Where do you get the ISOPURE drinks? Does GNC or The Vitamin Shoppe sell them?

@@Aranks Thank you so much for your reply! This was very helpful! I have a notebook where I keep a lot of things and am writing stuff down.

My surgery was scheduled for Nov 3 but then it was moved to Oct 27th and I was like OH NO, but once the initial shock wore off I was ok.

I think I am in that initial shock phase you're describing. I really thought there was no way I would get a pre-Christmas date and was thinking mid-late January at the earliest. So when she called today and said "I see in the notes you are looking to have surgery before Christmas..." I already had the let down she was about to deliver in my mind. I couldn't believe it when the next words out of her mouth were that she could fit me in on Dec. 17th. Mind: Blown. Tomorrow when I see the doctor again I think I'll be more calm. Today I feel like I've got Flight of the Bumblebee running through my brain.

[Elode 8,093]

Congrats on getting the date!

[heynowkc 329]

Thanks, @@Elode!

[Elode 8,093]

You're welcome!

[BeagleLover 1,020]

@@heynowkc, I got the Isopure at The Vitamin Shoppe.< /p>